'It's for the long run' - Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hoping to thrive instead of survive in new role
Updated 19/07/2025 at 11:37 GMT+1
Thomas Frank will begin his tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager in a pre-season friendly against Reading on Saturday, and Frank is hoping he thrives in north London, rather than "surviving 18 months" like his predecessors. Frank spoke at his first news conference since being appointed manager following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, 16 days after Spurs won the UEFA Europa League.
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New Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank made it clear he is in it "for the long term" at the club at his first news conference since being appointed.
Frank referenced the short tenures of his predecessors in the job in north London.
The most recent of the bunch, Ange Postecoglou, ended the club's 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the UEFA Europa League with victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, but was sacked just 16 days later.
Postecoglou presided over a poor domestic season, with Spurs finishing in 17th place in the Premier League, but his departure will serve as a warning and reminder to Frank that even making history for the club may not be enough to save his job.
"Coming to a big club, there are pressures," said the Dane.
"I like the ambitions and everything I do - every decision I've made - is for the long term. It's not about surviving 18 months, it's for the long run."
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Postecoglou put his full focus on winning the Europa League, perhaps to make his promise of winning a trophy in his second season come true, but it came at the cost of performances in the Premier League and elsewhere.
Frank made it clear his goal is to ensure that Spurs are consistent on all four fronts, rather than just one.
"It was extremely positive that the team won (the Europa League). The trophy they deserved and needed. I want to add to that," he said.
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Tottenham celebrate with Europa League trophy
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"The first aim is to compete in all tournaments and do that consistently. That has to be the ambition. That is a very high demand but, if you do, there is then the chance to succeed.
"I’m super excited. There is a fantastic training ground and stadium. The facilities are top. The squad is really exciting - a good mix between experience and talent.
"My biggest task is to maximise the potential of the players. That gives you a better chance of competing and then achieving success."
Frank joined Brentford as assistant head coach in 2016 and in 2018 was promoted to head coach, leading them to the Premier League after winning the 2021 Championship play-off final.
He became the club's second-longest-serving manager and said the decision to leave was a tough one, but an opportunity he had to take.
"In a way it was very difficult and in a way it was very easy," said Frank.
"It was very difficult because I'm a person that goes 'all in' in every relationship: work, friends, marriage, whatever it is. When you go all in and work at a football club, you get attached. I really loved my time there.
"I also felt maybe it was time to challenge myself and get another opportunity. When a club of Tottenham's magnitude are knocking on your door, I couldn't turn it down."
One piece of business that Frank is already having to navigate is the future of Cristian Romero and club captain Son Heung-min, who at 33 is beginning to attract interest from the likes of Saudi Arabia.
The Dane resisted being drawn into a discussion on transfer rumours, instead highlighting both players' importance to the club.
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Thomas Frank left Brentford to become Tottenham manager last month
Image credit: Getty Images
"Two top players, Sonny has been here 10 years and finally got his well-deserved trophy in the summer. So important for the team and the club," he said.
"Romero, World Cup winner, Europa League winner, Copa America winner, very important for us as well. Both have trained well and both will play on Saturday. I'm very happy."
Frank kicks off his tenure at Spurs when they take on Reading on Saturday, and gave supporters a little insight into how he plans to shape the team in his image.
"I’m very clear in my principles," he said. "I want to see the team be brave, aggressive and attack. Brave is linked to Dare is to do.
"If you are not brave, it is very difficult to achieve anything. Being aggressive is very important and, of course, we need to attack."
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